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Kate's Visit to Luxembourg + Blog Conflicts

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Kate was in Luxembourg today for an afternoon of engagements. She debuted a new Emilia Wickstead that is very close in design to the green St. Patrick's Day coat she wore on her very first appearance at that popular event! I love that green coat, so I was thrilled to see the same style today. (It is also almost the same color as the blue maternity dress that Emilia Wickstead made for Kate!) This coat is so flattering on Kate! Sadly, I can't write the post tonight, or tomorrow, or this weekend. I am wrapping up my semester here in a flurry of finals and I won't be free to pop some bubbly and put my feet up until Monday evening. I will throw a little preview of the garden party up on Sunday, but a full post on that will also be postponed.

I know these delays are tedious, but summer is so close I can taste it. Send prayers and good wishes my way and I will "see" you soon!

I read an interesting viewpoint the other day - with the Queen's age, Philips's retirement and the move to London - the Cambridges won't attempt for #3. Their work demands will increase and they won't have the protection of Norfolk and part-time BRF duties. More will be expected of both W&K. I'm not saying this is gospel, but it was an interesting point that I think has credibility. The Fall will signal a HUGE change for the Cambridges as their children's lives will increasingly be outside the home, and they lose the protection/luxury they've always had of Angesley/Norfolk. ~A

I think the thought about number three or four will be independent of any of this other stuff. After all Queen Elizabeth had 4 as a Queen:):) I know nothing about them but if anything was a concern I would suspect it was Kate's health if they ever wanted more than 2.

Anon 10.20 your theory makes sense. They'll be working a lot more and, even with the help they get, it's not that easy to raise two children.

Also, they're a younger generation and like most people nowadays I don't think they want all that many children. Didn't they say themselves that being parents is a challenge and can be overwhelming? I'm sure they love their little ones, but who in their right mind would want more if they already had their hands full with two toddlers?

Just some random thoughts at the end: Why does everyone want them to have more children? More children aren't automatically a sign of a happier marriage. And the procedure of having a royal baby must be excruciating. First the violent morning sickness, then the pressure to not gain too much weight and everyone expects you to be glowing when at times you may actually feel exhausted and finally the birth. They don't even let the poor woman spend a night in hospital,and instead of resting she has to get dolled up and put on high heels and present the baby to the press when clearly she's only able to do that on strong pain meds. I wouldn't want that for myself and I don't wish it on anyone.

Kirsten, you raise some good points. I'm from the camp that would like to see W&K have more children. I think it may be because the Queen had 4 & Kate is one of three...for some reason, I always thought Kate would want 3 or 4 children. But seeing as she's had terrible HG with both pregnancies & the physical toll it's taken, not to mention what you said about having to be dolled up not long after giving birth & the pressure to look good, maybe two is enough for them. & they have said parenthood is hard & it's been a struggle adjusting to it. I just think they have such lovely children, I'd love to see them have more. But that's probably a selfish reason, on my part.

Robin & Ali ~ the Queen is from a different generation where they had way fewer birth control options! And having four kids doesn't mean she had time for them....I have heard so many times how she didn't have much time to be a "mum". She worked more than full time and had to rely heavily on others. Different generations! I'm not saying they won't have a 3rd, but I'm saying look at it realistically not what happened OVER 50 years ago. ~ A

Kristen, thanks but it wasn't my theory, yett I think it carries weight.

I also agree with you. W&K want to be very hands on, so I think they wouldn't bite off more than they can chew. They have shared what hard work it is. They're trying to do this with minimal help. They're a different generation.

I think people maybe want to see a successful, happy, loving Windsor family? They want to see W&K do what the generation before them was unable to do - all of the Queen's children had two kids and 3/4 of them divorced the parents of their children. Edward and Sophie will probably never divorce, but I question the legitimacy/love of that marriage...

Oh, please, Kate's going to have at least 1 or 2! They have plenty of money, help, etc. I do not believe they will continue the Queen's current schedule when they takeover. W & K change everything to adapt it to their wants/needs. Will is just not a hard worker. And, besides, Kate is and sees herself as a full time mom. So, I do not think their position will affect the number of kids they have. If anything, it allows them to have more.

I agree Kiwi, they are so bananas over their kids, they will want more. As my mom always said (she had 4), "You were all so cute and perfect, how could I not have more?"

George and Charlotte are absolutely precious.

And like the pain of childbirth, Kate probably forgets the worst of the morning (all day) sickness once the baby comes.

So I expect more to come and I look forward to seeing them with Pip's kids too!

Prince William at work for the Queen today-according to KP Twitter, with photos. He met with the President of Kenya and performed investitures. Tomorrow is the children's tea at BP. He has his work at EAAA and then Wednesday he will be meeting leaders in Belgium. No personal charities or private interests on the schedule. He has been active for the Queen all along and announced in January the plan to move to KP for a further in crease in duties In The Autumn-or the end of summer. He and Catherine are finally being given more royal work. William could hardly show up at an investiture or foreign dignitary meeting and say, "Hey, Granny. Let me do it." Anymore than Sophie gets to decide on her own to attend a European royal event as a rep of HM.Judging from recent events, this now includes William's taking over meeting with officials from other countries, while Sophie continues to cover the European birthday and wedding circuit.

There was absolutely no excuse for that article in the Times royals section that supposedly had the Queen's PA as a source. She is not in the habit of apologizing but for this she should make an exception-if she really did authorize the story-which I doubt. I think there are factions and loyalties within the BRF that are struggling for recognition with an impending reshuffling of the power structure.I imagine we will see more posturing and jockeying for a foothold in the future dynamic of the monarchy.The media needs to be aware of this and consider it before taking sides. The situation is fluid and could change in-literally-a heartbeat.

Kiwi Gal, I see where you are coming from. Of course their children are cute and if they were to have anymore, I'm sure they would be cutie pies too and I'd enjoy the pictures. But children always strive to do things differently than the previous generations, so the queen having 4 children and Kate growing up in a household of 3 children may not necessarily inspire W&K to have more than 2. I on my part often catch myself wanting the opposite of what I knew growing up. And I'm sure Kate does feel the pressure of being pregnant in the public eye and thay might be a factor too.

Anon 7:40 I know it wasn't your theory but you were the one who brought it up here. :)

I totally understand people's hopes that w+k can pull of having 3 or 4 or even more children while being full time royals and parents and a happily married couple. They are royals after all and people want to see them succeed and accomplish things that would seem supernatural to "regular people". But in the past, trying to meet those expectations and attempting to keep up appearances hasn't been the most successful strategy for the royal family. They've had their fair share of scandals. Given that history, I think w+k are just trying to keep it real (-ish). They want to be a regular family and not repeat the mistakes of their parents/grandparents. And I'm sure being down-to-earth is a good marketing strategy too.

The Queen was 21 when she married. Her first child was one year later. Kate had first child at age 31. She may not want to give birth in her late 30's. I read article from Royal reporter who said their family with a boy and a girl is complete, that they are moving into new chapter of their lives taking on more duty.

Anon 4:04, I haven't seen that article. Is it possible for you to provide a link as I can't find it.

Does anyone else think it's strange that William is doing the investitures for HM and meeting with the leaders and diplomats from other countries in her stead rather than his father? I just find it very odd. You would think the next monarch would take over those duties for the current one.

And I do believe that somewhere and someplace Andrew's head is going to come to a boil and burst all over the royal court. I also think that, once Mummy is gone, Charles wouldn't think twice about cutting him loose. That will be an interesting time. For the rest of the family it would be a good idea to keep their heads down giving a brand new meaning to Keep Calm and Carry On!

RobinfromCA - I think they all share the investitures and more formal duties and have since William. A former colleague received an OBE a couple of years ago and his investiture was conducted by Charles. Actually, I believe the Queen and Charles do a roughly equal number of investitures with William and Anne doing a smaller number each.

Since the investitures are probably scheduled months ahead, as was the China State visit and the Queen's anniversary street party, (among many others) which Charles also "missed" due to being scheduled out of town, his being out of town is a familiar tune. The RF members appear exactly when and where they are meant to be. "A couple of years ago" there was a different focus. I just thought William's being placed in positions and events so closely associated with the Queen so close to Phillip's announcement was intriguing. I definitely see HM's Ringmaster role in play.

My response was to a comment before that portrayed William as not working and calling the shots for royal duties. That simply isn't true. Now, more than ever.anonymous 4:04

anon 7:19-read the article. According to CH, it was a two day trip starting May 9. Camilla wore baby blue, by the way-this was Ireland, after all. I guess all the royals got the baby blue memo.They visited a poet's memorial and spoke with his family. Not exactly a meeting with a head of State.

Try what again? Which anon are you?Two days Ireland, two Northern Ireland? I was just quoting the CH tweet from the article you cited, not what the reporter said. I thought CH should know. It said two day visit, starting May 9. anon 10:20

Is Amanda Tucker on vacation? Upon arrival her hair was frizzy and her hair was pretty flat. It looked best when the wind gave it some volume.

I don't think we've seen Emilia Wickstead in a while, and I like how this jacket looks more polished than some other EWs she owns. There's a photo of her squatting down for a shy boy and the way the fabric of the dress falls on the ground is beautiful.

Blingy earrings! A reporter suggested they were an anniversary gift, but considering how long ago she would have commissioned this outfit, either they are and it's a coincidence they match. Or she's had them longer and was waiting for the right occasion.

At first I was disappointed at how neutral and almost plain looking she is today. She is a princess representing th UK. Then I realized it could be out of respect to let her hosts shine, and when those earrings appeared they brought some glamour.

I take back the polished comment. The belt, at the back of the jacket, has a horrendous seam. I've said this before over the years - for a label like this and the cost, these pieces should not have such "cheap" looking execution. ~ A

~A..I think that's not so much a seam but is where the belt hooks together. I agree with you though it doesn't look great and EW clothes often lack the fine tailoring one would expect. I thought that sort of belt closure was usually put at a side seam. But not with EW!

I think that the "seam" is actually where the belt attaches together. When Kate wore the yellow EW, the belt had a similar issue. With the yellow EW, she had it in the front and a bit to the side (rather than toward the back). I think the front/side option looks better for the belt.

Oh, crud! I lost my last post. Here we go again... I love the color of this dress on Kate. The structure of the dress is also wonderful on her and, when I saw it was Emilia Wickstead, I thought that the designer had finally done something I am completely on board with. That is until I saw the sleeves. For some reason Emilia Wickstead designs clothing with stitches that look like something is missing. In this case it looks as if the buttons have fallen off of the sleeves. It's not a style I like at all. So, if I don't look at those sleeves, I love the dress. The nude shoes were the perfect choice if she wasn't going to go completely monochromatic and I love, love, love the new Kiki's. She looked beautiful today.

I did not care for all the ruffles on Crown Princess Stephanie's dress. Just a tad too "floofy" for me. I like some ruffles but that was a bit much. She looked like a lovely hostess though and Kate was made comfortable enough to let her sense of humor come through.

On another note: Did anyone else notice the body language going on with Princess Alexandra in the photo of Kate with the whole family? Wow, somebody got up on the wrong side of the palace. Back turned, sour look - yikes!

Robin, you're right about the exposed stitching on EW's designs...it's a feature that has always bothered me, too. It looks sloppy & unfinished. I like the overall look of this coatdress & the beautiful flow of the skirt, but the stitches on the sleeves & back of the belt are not professional looking.

Hahaha yes Princess Alexandra was hilarious! I can't imagine she was forced to be there (basic human rights) so I wonder what was going on. Or maybe she's just exercising her independence with a moody Victoria Beckhan type pose, and refusing to be the "mannequin" smiling royal(?).~ A

Robin, I noticed that group photo too. Princess Alexandra appears to be turning away from Kate. Perhaps she was turning her body in that way to appear slimmer for the photo? I think this is an unfortunate trend. It looks very strange when everyone else in the group is standing facing forward. If she wanted to stand this way, she should have turned toward the group and not away from it. Queen Letizia stands in similar fashion sometimes. It looks very odd to me.

Because that is exactly what comes across in the photograph. She has her back turned toward everyone and a sour expression on her face. The DoC is their guest and Princess Alexandra's body language suggests that she is less than welcoming. She is 26 years old. She's not a moody teenager and has been brought up much better than that. If its not deliberate, I don't know what it is.

I agree it's not a good look but I've also seen instances where it's so hard to capture a good photo of a group that at least one person isn't quite in position but as long as the most important person/people look ok it gets published. I guess what I'm saying is that yes it looks bad but I'm not convinced the only explanation is an intentional sign of disrespect directed directly at Kate

Faith could be right but I'd hate to assume that based on a photo or two. There are other "formal" group photos taken on this trip where half the people scattered through out the group were looking one direction and the other half another direction (in those cases there were probably multiple photographers.) I agree with you both it's not a good look in any case but think of all the "awkward facial expression" photos we've seen of Will (sometimes Kate but usually Will) He has looked petulant sometimes but mostly looks like he needs to "be excused" (and quickly!) in those photos. I don't think qe should make assumptions in those cases. So sometimes a static photo isn't an accurate reflection of the true "on the ground" dynamics.

I agree that you can snap a photo with a mid-facial expression that makes a person look sour but, to me, the strangest thing is the full body turn away from the group. I've never seen that in a formal pose in any family/work/casual group photo - let alone a meeting of two royal families in a diplomatic situation. Very bad form and it does seem a snub to either her family or Kate. Even if the person is turning sideways to look slimmer or just to squish everyone in into the frame, every one faces inward.

You are both right. Any number of scenarios could be going on. I guess I could give her more leeway regarding her expression but her stance is just odd. I suppose she could have run in for the photo last minute, or has a flu and doesn't want to breath on anyone. My mother in law is a well bred French woman who, socially, would never give her back to anyone without first apologizing because it is a big slight. I'm assuming Princess Alexandra has been brought up with similar etiquette sensibilities. Who knows though, maybe she ferls she photographs better from that side.

Robin, the turn of her body really strikes me as odd as well. I mean she's a seasoned royal and obviously knows better. She would be very cognizant of how things appear especially in a diplomatic situation like this but maybe I'm just having a judgemental day.

I didn't know what you were all speaking about and finally found the photograph. It isn't as bad as that! She has a serious expression but not sulky IMO, and the way she is positioned is a bit strange but it could be she had just joined the group. I wouldn't have noticed

All the best, Jane! Will wait patiently for your posts ;) I agree, this EW reminds me of both the St. Patrick's Day outfit (structure) & the maternity dress (colour). I was a bit disappointed to see pale blue again, but it is very flattering & the shade suits her well.

I agree with Anon 10:15. I thought that she was too plain today. I love this colour on Catherine and I think the ear rings are beautiful. I don't like the coat itself, but neither did I like the green St Patrick's day coat either. Both really don't offer anything of interest to me. Neat, yes...but boring too. I am incidentally a less is more kind of person, but somehow the simplicity of this outfit is not doing it for me. When Catherine first wore the green coat my first reaction was dislike, but it got some really good reviews so I looked again but I just could not make it happen for me. I have the same response to this one. However Catherine does look lovely and her natural graciousness always shines through.

I agree with both of you Anon 10:15, 1:02. Although I like Kate more in sheath and suit styles for daytime events I thought this outfit was OK but much too plain. I did like the dark green version of this dress but when she wore that for St. Pat's Kate 1. wore a hat 2. wore a contrasting belt and 3. during the visit, wore shamrocks. Those things kept the green one from looking too plain. This very light colored version almost makes Kate look chunky perhaps because it's just a sea of light blue and is like a blank canvas that was left blank. I think this outfit would have looked better with a brooch to break up the color as the lapels seem perfect for that (remember how nice the light green shamrocks looked) I also don't think the tiny dainty necklace went with the earrings (which were gorgeous but really looked like evening earrings to me.) Or maybe a belt vs the self belt but not the dark leather one Kate seems to default to. Light/pastel tapestry perhaps? Or maybe the outfit would not have looked so plain had the shoes and clutch not been nude..light/med grey maybe?

While EW isn't my favorite designer for a couple of reasons (prefer CW and JP) this outfit wasn't exactly a miss to me, but was just incomplete somehow almost as though Kate was running late and had to run out the door before completing her prep (not that I think that really happened)

Lovely look for spring! She looks radiant. I particularly love that clutch she's been using recently.

If there is one minor issue, I would say it's that the coat would probably look less heavy if the hemline didn't hit at the knees but just above the knees. Apart from that the coat is gorgeous. Lovely colour, spectacular wide skirt and the collar is an eyecatcher too.

I thought she looked brilliant today! Love the new Kiki earrings - I own the white gold diamond hoops and two pairs of drops - I can only dream about pieces like these. I will admit, given the shade of the dress, I had hoped they were the Robinson Pellham earrings Carole wore to William and Kate's wedding. :)

Her hair looked great, especially when the wind picked it up, I love this silhouette and color on her, and the nude heels were a lovely shade. She has a suede pair that are the same shade as her skin, always looks like she's not wearing shoes when she wears those!

With the full circle skirt, I do hope there is a sheath dress underneath. Otherwise, I loved today's look and all the photos!

I thought they were Carole's earrings, too! The Kikis are beautiful, her collection is growing :) Those suede shoes do blend in seamlessly with her skintone, I have to do a double take to check she's wearing shoes!

Best of luck, Jane! I admire your ability to set priorities and stick to them (just as it should be). I thought Kate looked beautiful today. Before I look at any pictures of Kate on-line on one of her planned outings, I like to make a little prediction of what she will wear. I hit the nail on the head today....spring pastel, coat dress, beige heals. Check, check, check. Always stylish and elegant.

Jane,Good luck with your exams.Yesterday's event was lovely. Catherine is always beautiful, but yesterday she just shone.The coat was superb--the colour really suits her and diplomatically it is very neutral. The earrings are lovely and just enough bling for daytime.However, what made the day was the welcome from the Luxembourg royal family. Having the Hereditary Grand Duchess with her, as well as the Prime Minister throughout the day, must have made her much more comfortable.For the official ceremonies the Hereditary Grand Duke joined them and they all looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves --well all except Princess Alexandra, who looked as though she had fallen out with someone.All the other signatory countries sent their ambassadors. The photos tell their own story: for such occasions Princesses and Princes are the best representatives for their country.

Good luck from me too, Jane! You have to study hard and become a famous lawyer so that we can all say we knew you when.

So on to fashion.... Like most others, not a wow for me but this coatdress is an elegant choice. We have seen this color and silhouette before so there was a let down for me when she exited her car. Yet, the color works well for her and the full skirt with the exaggerated gathers elevates it from the mundane. Agree with posters saying it all is a little bit plain though. Also I think her hair is too casual here and would look better if it looked more "done". Earrings are gorgeous ( not with the Empress pendant, however) and am thrilled she is opting for bigger stones. So not a hit but not a miss for me.

I enjoyed the DoC's interaction with the Luxembourg royal family. I used to follow what the Archduchess wore about twenty years ago when I was in college and the library stocked all the European news magazines. As a young mom, she was every inch as glamourous as Diana.

It's a beautiful color and I love the new earrings - I'm so happy to see her experiment with some bling. My only wish is that next time she wears her hair half-back or in an updo to reply show then off. I think more visible earrings would have taken this from perfectly appropriate to something only a royal would wear.

I don't doubt it, Anon 4:31. They are an interesting family. I know Princess Stephanie and Princess Claire are extremely well educated too but don't really know what causes and charities they support. Actually, I'm not sure Princess Claire has a royal role. Might be working on her Phd?

On Kate's hair: in one photo a strand is separating and falling in her eyes. Very unprofessional.

On outfit: I thought this was beyond plain, and to be honest I'm not sure why I follow Kate for fashion anymore. Where are the accessories, the styling, the trends? Nothing is "pulled together" it's a coat with some shoes and her hair is down, the same hair she wears to Waitrose or polo.

When we're all at the point of just saying -- it's fine, it's good, standard Kate, then the fashion ship has long sailed. Shame cos I know she has style I just don't know where it went. Unless someone else was putting her together in early years.

Faith, this piece may not be your taste but I think if you pull up a two year photo array of all the clothes she has worn you will still find quite a wide variety. There is no doubt she has staples and "uniforms" she wears regularly but she also mixes it up, think of the wild floral Erdem evening gown or the green clock dress. Very different from her loved flared coat dress style. Is being fashion forward at the top of her list in all her dressing, clearly not. This is something that I think has already been talked about and agreed upon by the fashion blog crowd for several years but she still does pull out some wonderfully fun choices and for many of her outings the same look is OK by me.

Ali, I don't know why you think I'm criticizing this dress. I do like it and I did say it is elegant. I don't think saying it is a color and silhouette we've seen before is a misstep because it is true. I just said it didn't wow me. In comparison, the Netherlands Catherine Walker did wow me even though it did not travel well. I'm sure some of it comes down to taste but a lot if it comes down to the CW being something different than what we usually see her in. I never said she is fashion forward or that I want her to be, and I never said she doesn't wear a variety of styles throughout the year. Also, looking at all the comments, I don't think I'm saying anything others are not. Im a little bit confused.

I think this is quintessential Kate. Coat dress, nude pumps, hair down, Kikis. I think she sticks with styles she likes and has multiple pieces that look very similar. The lace dresses are a good example, also the Kikis (especially the Kikis!).

I'm gonna try and keep this comment brief. In the words of a long-retired American baseball player, Yogi Berra, noted for his quips, "It's deja vu all over again." Another Wickstead coatdress--first in yellow, then in green, or perhaps the reverse--now, in pastel blue. Same pattern. Yawn. More, probably borrowed, earrings from Kiki McDonough. Yawn. Hair worn down, with little lift atop...can this picture get any worse?

I was VERY impressed by the welcome Kate received from the Luxembourg RF, in particular, HGD Stephanie and HGD Guillaume. I do hope--probably silly--that these two lovely Luxembourg royals will be given the same consideration next they visit the U.K.

Chocolate will get you through any kind of school. Even the kind of school that you teach in. Some days are just "chocolate days" which is why our school secretary keeps large solo cups of every kind of M&Ms in them on her desk and available for the teachers.

She had apartments 8 & 9, only one was converted into offices. Her staircase, etc. is still in the empty one. Won't that be neat for Harry to live with those wonderful memories everyday?

In Paul Burrell's first book, he discusses what happened to her place and the layout of the apartments. He has wonderful stories of the boys growing up there. I wonder if the underground offices KP is building is accommodate the office staff being moved from her apartment.

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Welcome to the blog! I am Jane Barr and I write From Berkshire to Buckingham. I am an American Anglophile-Francophile (Yes, they can co-exist. :)) I have been following Kate since she began dating William at St Andrews. I began the blog in my favorite Starbucks while living in Los Angeles, CA, just before William and Kate married. See my Welcome page (in the navigation bar) for more about the blog, and follow me on Twitter (@princesskate_GB) and Instagram (@fromberkshiretobuckingham) for more of my royal content.